tremor

Everyday

1. A small earthquake or a shaking of the ground. tree →
2. A slight shaking of part of the body, such as hands, that you cannot control. tree →
3. A shaking in the voice because of fear or strong feelings. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and science lessons, tremors are small earthquakes; scientists measure them with seismometers; aftershocks are tremors after a big quake. In health, some people have tremors in their hands. In stories, a tremor in the voice shows fear or emotion. Phrases: «earth tremor», «a slight tremor», «a tremor in her voice».

Examples

• We felt a small earth tremor during the night. tree →
• There was a tremor in his voice as he said goodbye. tree →
• Grandpa has a tremor in his hands. tree →
• Scientists recorded several tremors after the earthquake. tree →
• The tremor made the cups rattle. tree →
• New Zealand has many small tremors every year. tree →

Note

Countable. Related words: «tremble», «tremendous» (originally «making you tremble»). Earthquake safety: drop, cover and hold on — get under a sturdy table.